WEEKEND POST- THE ABSENCE OF HONOR!

I began to work on an in-depth study entitled “The Absence of Honor” about 5 years ago after I had witnessed just exactly that. Try as I might, I couldn’t figure out why honor was missing in so many arenas of life, and why it is no longer important to so many Christians and the people of society, in general. My question became: Have we lost the definition for what it means to honor?

According to a variety of dictionaries the concept of honor means the following.

• To have honor is to have a good name or public esteem or reputation.           
• It means to show of merited respect and recognition where it is due.
• Honor also refers to having certain privilege. For example: the honor of joining the captain for dinner on a cruise ship.
• Honor means acknowledging a person of superior standing where you should say, “If Your Honor please”
• Honor can be defined as someone whose worth brings respect or fame. They are credit or an honor to the profession.
• Honor is also an evidence or symbol of distinction, such as an exalted title or rank. It may be signified by a badge, decoration for distinction or bow. 
• Superior students are conferred an academic distinction or honor.
• In a physical and moral sense, honor can refer to one’s purity or chastity such as when it was said, “she fiercely fought for her honor and lifel
• Honor includes possessing a keen sense of ethical conduct. It is related to integrity. A person would then say “I wouldn't do it as a matter of honor”
• Honor can also mean that gives one's word as a guarantee of performance,  “On my honor, I will be there.”
• Honor can be further defined as exhibiting social courtesies or civilities from a host.
• Obviously honor can additionally mean the practice of respect and esteem shown to another. Therefore honor demonstrates the recognition of someone's right to great respect.
• Honor is also synonymous to homage given to God and people worthy of that.                   
• It also implies the attitude and treatment of reverence through the offering of profound respect mingled w/ love, devotion, or awe.
• Lastly, honor includes the definition of deference. This means then that if you honor someone you will yield or submit to another's judgment or preference out of respect or reverence.

I believe that the absence of honor is the root for a great number of problems and the deficit has been the result of a list of an accumulated series of issues, both inside and outside the Church. Regrettably, I have heard from different leaders of groups that there were warnings about these potential problems, but they generally went unheeded.

From what I can ascertain, thus far, the concept and practice of honor has disappeared because of the following various influences.

1. Post-modernism has been a major contributor to the dismantling of honor. This cultural ideology and mindset has gradually dismantled healthy standards for honor and replaced it with selfishness and individualism. Therefore, honor would not be considered, except maybe to one’s self. Additionally, it fostered an incorrect definition for tolerance that made room for all sorts of problems. Hence, honor is not honor.

2. Over the course of the past 100 years, especially, a great number of national cultures have become Identity conscious rather than conviction and conscience cultures. As such, sin is no longer defined, and shame and rejection become the basis for life.

3. I believe that the affects of the Mystery of Lawlessness have gradually removed the parameters for truth and fostered a new vocabulary that “seems” to value honor, but in fact doesn’t, because the definitions for the words tolerance, love, equality and more have been skewed and made into something they are not. Therefore, a great portion of the generations under 60, do not have an understanding or definition for healthy honor.

5. Much focus has been placed on the understanding and behavioral ideologies of the generations.  There has been a shocking shift in the Church away from a biblical understanding of generations to a Sociological Generational emphasis. Therefore, rather that teaching about the affects of the New Birth, as a chosen generation, believers are told that they are bound to act like the sociological template for their culture and age based generations such as Traditionalists, Baby Boomers, Gen X, Gen Y. Honor lost much of it’s definition during the changes of philosophies and education from the Traditionalist generations on.

6. Honor has also become victim to the infiltration, introduction and embracing of Shame-based cultures. These cultures do not recognize conviction for sin, and react only to whether they're shamed or honored, according to their self-determined belief systems, as different from biblical context.

7. Certain facets of the Civil Rights movement, Hippie Movement, Jesus Movement of the 1960s and 70’s contributed to the disintegration of the definition for honor because the biblical basis for right and wrong were being cast off in favor of “freedom” and the right to do what one wants to do.

8. Finally, one of the biggest culprits to the downfall of the definition of honor was the exaltation and almost-worship of youth.Starting in the mid 1950’s  the youth were allowed, and then given an authoritative voice, that ignored the wisdom of the elders and embraced personal, limited experience above time tested lifelong applications. I believe we will see the increase of the pride of youth go to war with the defense of the honor of the elders.

IF YOU WANT TO LIVE A LIFE THAT HONORS YOU HAVE RECOGNIZE WHO IS WORTHY OF THAT AND WHY-

Rom 13:7 Render therefore to all their dues: tribute to whom tribute is due; custom to whom custom; fear to whom fear; honour to whom honour. KJV

I’ve included a list of the key biblical types of honor identified in the Scriptures.

1. Honoring elders, seniors, parents, husbands to wives, wives to husbands, children to parents, honoring one’s own body, leaders, governments, laws,-

Elders and Senior Citizens-

                1 Timothy 5:17 Let the elders that rule well be counted worthy of double honour, especially they who labour in the word and doctrine. KJV

                Lev 19:32 You shall rise up before the grayheaded, and honor the aged, and you shall revere your God; I am the LORD.  NAS

                Job 32:4 Now Elihu had waited till Job had spoken, because they were elder than he. 5 When Elihu saw that there was no answer in the mouth of these three men, then his wrath was kindled. KJV

                Isa 3:5  And the people shall be oppressed, each one by another, and each one by his neighbor; the child shall behave himself proudly and with insolence against the old man, and the lowborn against the honorable [person of rank]. AMP

                Isa 3:4 And the worst sort of anarchy will prevail-everyone stepping on someone else, neighbors fighting neighbors, youths revolting against authority, criminals sneering at honorable men.  TLB

                1 Tim 5:1 DO NOT sharply censure or rebuke an older man, but entreat and plead with him as [you would with] a father. Treat younger men like brothers; 2[Treat] older women like mothers [and] younger women like sisters, in all purity.AMP

Honoring your father and mother. This is a command not an option and it promises a blessing of long life. Furthermore, honoring parents is not supposed to be practiced according to whether they treated you well or not.

 Ex 20:12  Honour thy father and thy mother: that thy days may be long upon the land which the LORD thy God giveth thee. KJV

               

Husbands honor your wives.

1 Peter 3:7 Likewise, ye husbands, dwell with them according to knowledge, giving honour unto the wife, as unto the weaker vessel, and as being heirs together of the grace of life; that your prayers be not hindered. KJV

Wives honor your husbands

 Eph 5:32 This is a profound mystery-but I am talking about Christ and the church. 33 However, each one of you also must love his wife as he loves himself, and the wife must respect her husband.  NIV

Honoring your body by keeping yourself from sexual impurity.

1 Thess 4:1 Furthermore then we beseech you, brethren, and exhort you by the Lord Jesus, that as ye have received of us how ye ought to walk and to please God, so ye would abound more and more. 2 For ye know what commandments we gave you by the Lord Jesus. 3 For this is the will of God, even your sanctification, that ye should abstain from fornication: 4 That every one of you should know how to possess his vessel in sanctification and honour; 5 Not in the lust of concupiscence, even as the Gentiles which know not God: 6 That no man go beyond and defraud his brother in any matter: because that the Lord is the avenger of all such, as we also have forewarned you and testified. 7 For God hath not called us unto uncleanness, but unto holiness. KJV

Honor widows!

1 Tim 5:3  Honour widows that are widows indeed. KJV

Honor your employers, both good and bad!

1 Tim 6:1 Let as many servants as are under the yoke count their own masters worthy of all honour, that the name of God and his doctrine be not blasphemed. KJV

Honor all people

1 Peter 2:17 Honour all men. Love the brotherhood. Fear God. Honour the king.KJV

Honor your governmental leaders! You don’t have to agree with them to honor them!

1 Peter 2:17 Honour all men. Love the brotherhood. Fear God. Honour the king.KJV

Honor the Body of Christ

1 Cor 12:18 But now hath God set the members every one of them in the body, as it hath pleased him.19 And if they were all one member, where were the body? 20 But now are they many members, yet but one body. 21 And the eye cannot say unto the hand, I have no need of thee: nor again the head to the feet, I have no need of you. 22 Nay, much more those members of the body, which seem to be more feeble, are necessary: 23 And those members of the body, which we think to be less honourable, upon these we bestow more abundant honour; and our uncomely parts have more abundant comeliness. 24 For our comely parts have no need: but God hath tempered the body together, having given more abundant honour to that part which lacked: 25 That there should be no schism in the body; but that the members should have the same care one for another. 26 And whether one member suffer, all the members suffer with it; or one member be honoured, all the members rejoice with it. KJV

2. Honor manifests through how you speak, what you say to and about others!    

3. Honor means you don't seek your own way, or make yourself to be something that you're not, or more than you are!

4.Honor, as in being considerate about being on time for things, keeping one’s word, and communicating in advance about whether you'll be on time (RSVP) You are considerate to others. 

5. Honor by recognizing accomplishment, title, age, positions 

 Acts 23:1 And Paul, earnestly beholding the council, said, Men and brethren, I have lived in all good conscience before God until this day. 2 And the high priest Ananias commanded them that stood by him to smite him on the mouth. 3 Then said Paul unto him, God shall smite thee, thou whited wall: for sittest thou to judge me after the law, and commandest me to be smitten contrary to the law? 4 And they that stood by said, Revilest thou God's high priest? 5 Then said Paul, I wist not, brethren, that he was the high priest: for it is written, Thou shalt not speak evil of the ruler of thy people. KJV

6. Honor in how you dress and look-

 A change in how we dress, for when we’re serving God, indicates a change in how we consider honor. Sometimes I'm embarrassed to be with Christians who think nothing of how much skin and exposure of their bodies is on public display, even in church services. Then if you confront this they can't believe that anyone would dare tell them what to wear! Obviously, I'm not speaking of the religious extremes of no-make up etc. I realize different Christian circles view this with various opinions according to their interpretation. But dress in a manner that honors God. You don't need to be risqué.

 1 Thess 4:1 Furthermore then we beseech you, brethren, and exhort you by the Lord Jesus, that as ye have received of us how ye ought to walk and to please God, so ye would abound more and more. 2 For ye know what commandments we gave you by the Lord Jesus. 3 For this is the will of God, even your sanctification, that ye should abstain from fornication: 4 That every one of you should know how to possess his vessel in sanctification and honour; 5 Not in the lust of concupiscence, even as the Gentiles which know not God: 6 That no man go beyond and defraud his brother in any matter: because that the Lord is the avenger of all such, as we also have forewarned you and testified. 7 For God hath not called us unto uncleanness, but unto holiness. KJV

7. Making anyone feel special as you follow through to see that the honor is rightly communicated.

8. Dishonor is expressed when you ignore what’s important, who’s important, what’s valuable, significant to someone else or what a group considers valuable.  Disrespect!

 When there is an attitude of right understanding of honor then unity in the Body of Christ can occur, along with unity or agreement with God.

                Mark 3:22 And the scribes which came down from Jerusalem said, He hath Beelzebub, and by the prince of the devils casteth he out devils. 23 And he called them unto him, and said unto them in parables, How can Satan cast out Satan?24 And if a kingdom be divided against itself, that kingdom cannot stand.25 And if a house be divided against itself, that house cannot stand. 26 And if Satan rise up against himself, and be divided, he cannot stand, but hath an end. KJV

                Acts 2:1 And when the day of Pentecost was fully come, they were all with one accord in one place.2 And suddenly there came a sound from heaven as of a rushing mighty wind, and it filled all the house where they were sitting. 3 And there appeared unto them cloven tongues like as of fire, and it sat upon each of them. 4 And they were all filled with the Holy Ghost, and began to speak with other tongues, as the Spirit gave them utterance. 5 And there were dwelling at Jerusalem Jews, devout men, out of every nation under heaven.KJV

                Rom 12:10 Be kindly affectioned one to another with brotherly love; in honour preferring one another;KJV

                Phil 1:27 Only let your conversation be as it becometh the gospel of Christ: that whether I come and see you, or else be absent, I may hear of your affairs, that ye stand fast in one spirit, with one mind striving together for the faith of the gospel;KJV

       Phil 2:1 If there be therefore any consolation in Christ, if any comfort of love, if any fellowship of the Spirit, if any bowels and mercies,2 Fulfil ye my joy, that ye be likeminded, having the same love, being of one accord, of one mind.3 Let nothing be done through strife or vainglory; but in lowliness of mind let each esteem other better than themselves.4 Look not every man on his own things, but every man also on the things of others.5 Let this mind be in you, which was also in Christ Jesus: 6 Who, being in the form of God, thought it not robbery to be equal with God:7 But made himself of no reputation, and took upon him the form of a servant, and was made in the likeness of men:8 And being found in fashion as a man, he humbled himself, and became obedient unto death, even the death of the cross.9 Wherefore God also hath highly exalted him, and given him a name which is above every name:10 That at the name of Jesus every knee should bow, of things in heaven, and things in earth, and things under the earth;11 And that every tongue should confess that Jesus Christ is Lord, to the glory of God the Father. KJV

I would encourage you to read these verses and ask yourself if you're living out a biblical definition for honor. If you aren’t, your life will be hallmarked by pride, opinionated-ness, rude behaviors and disrespect for others. Do a heart- check today! If you've been disrespectful to people, then you need to repent to them for your actions and change your behavior. Don’t repent to them and tell them how you don’t like them, and then say you choose to honor them. That is a contradiction. Honor them with true humility and give your feelings to God. You're first and foremost accountable to Him. 

CONSIDERING THE CONTEXT!

Many years ago I was teaching about a set of certain scriptures to a group of senior women in a small-church Bible study. As I spoke, I noticed their faces grew increasingly tense, and their posture became progressively rigid. All to late, I realized that they were so cemented in their ways of thinking that they were incapable of learning, let alone hearing what I was sharing, even when I knew without a shadow of a doubt that what I taught was solid doctrine. To my shock, at the end of the meeting, one of their leaders stated emphatically, “Well, that may be what you believe, but we don’t think it’s right. We think you’re taking it out of context.” Stunned, I decided to press them to clarify what they found out of context. Not surprisingly they couldn’t answer me with anything substantial, because in reality, they were just parroting a pseudo-spiritual excuse that they'd used for many years designed to protect themselves from anything that made them uncomfortable. I was still quite young in ministry and was taken aback. It hit me that just because they didn’t agree with what was taught, and were unsettled with having to consider something else doctrinally, they excused their discomfort with the phrase “we think you’re taking it out of context.” The teaching wasn’t out of context, it was just outside of their comfort zones. Obviously, they didn’t know what “context” meant so they covered their religious ideologies and lack of Biblical knowledge with a stereotypical religious response. Now, many years later, having heard people of all ages and walks of Church-life parrot the same phrase, or similar religious defenses, concerning messages that other ministers delivered, I realize a vast number of Christians don’t have a clue about what “context” actually means. Consequently, I need to define this hazy concept so that you’ll expand your sense of what it means to study the Bible accurately and fully.

“Context” is a Middle English word originating, according to linguists, in 1568 AD. It comes from a Latin word, contextus, that refers to the weaving together of something. It’s contemporary definition means that it is the parts of a communication that surround a word or passage, and therefore, can throw light on its meaning. It can also include the interrelated conditions in which something exists or occurs, such as an environment, setting, or the historical background the idea originates from.

One cannot determine context, in a general sense, without taking three primary conditions into consideration. This procedure applies generally to any subject of study, but in our case, specifically in the study of the Bible, and including the pursuit for Kingdom Truth. The failure to use these combined factors will invariably construct a trap door where deception will regrettably, take hold. These primary three foundational causative dynamics or types of context are presented as follows. I have also included additional influence of the instruction of the Holy Spirit, necessary to accurate biblical study. I’ve incorporated the work of the Holy Spirit into this list so to prevent an unhealthy over-emphasis on the intellectual interpretation of Scripture. We must always allow for the spontaneous instruction of the Holy Spirit since He’s identified as the Spirit of Truth. Rest assured,  the Spirit’s guidance will never discredit the truths of God’s word or err from the proper contexts the Word is to be interpreted through!!!

As we proceed, I will spend time defining each form of context as best as possible concerning our pursuit of Kingdom Truth through biblical truth. See the list below.

1. LITERARY CONTEXT

2. HISTORICAL CONTEXT

3. CANONICAL CONTEXT

4. INSTRUCTION OF THE HOLY SPIRIT

                       

Biblical truth takes time to discover and unravel. If you genuinely desire accurate truth it’s imperative that you guard against mixing truth with erroneous interpretations. That can generally be accomplished by consistently acknowledging the three primary standards of context. But now, let’s dive into the Literary type of context and discover how it should be utilized.

THE LITERARY CONTEXT

WHAT DOES THE LITERARY CONTEXT DO TO HELP YOU INTERPRET SCRIPTURE?

                       

Bearing in mind that a large number of believers through the world do not own a Bible or have biblical resource materials to assist them, we need to remember how blessed we are if we have those tools at hand. In a future series of blogs I will describe how the Holy Spirit guides and teaches Kingdom truth! Now let’s look at the literary context.

The literary context consists of several notable forms and features. Likewise, each of these must be considered before you begin study because when you don’t take these things into account your interpretation may be slightly skewed and you will read your Bible without considering who it was and is written for, why, when, and how it was meant to be heard. The literary context of the Bible includes assortments of letters, prophetic visions, accounts of an event, poetry, prose, the Gospels, apocalyptic revelation, historical narratives, proverbs, drama, parables, hymns, prayers, instructions, commands, Law and much more.  These forms should be determined prior to any study you attempt to do.  Consider the genre of the letter with me if you will.

The New Testament letters composed by Paul, James, Peter, John, Jude and such were written to the people living in the 1^st century Mediterranean world. They addressed specific concerns affecting those unique early Church meetings. Many of the issues discussed in their verses were pertinent to that time and frame of history and culture. Therefore, if we don’t know to consider those conditions, we can easily misread what was actually being addressed and superimpose the issues of our times into their context. This is dangerous because had those writers been living in our day, the counsel might have been very different. A number of these letters were additionally occasional letters written as a pastoral response to specific questions and requests of the people of that time. In order to be accurate in the translation of the context of the verses, a good Bible student must get a grasp on what the purposes for which those letters were written, otherwise they will not be able to determine their interpretation thereof.

Secondly, the Literary Context incorporates investigating the languages and how the grammar of the wording is used in the original text. For example, in order to fully benefit in the study of the Old Testament, I would encourage you to dig into the ancient Hebrew words and text. The same principle applies to New Testament Greek. Many reliable language resources are available to modern believers. However, no matter which ones you use, it’s important that you remember to find and continually utilize the resources of resources that take you back to the origins of the word, the historical background of it’s usage, the cultural environment in which the word was used and the potential nuances the author may have intended when using it. The grammar and manner of the treatment of the words will radically affect how the text should be read. Regrettably, some concordances and lexicons offer only a very superficial and general definition that may or may not be accurate for the particular verse. It’s dangerously easy to jump to conclusions when working with this type of concordance. Give yourself time to survey the language properly. The translation of some of the Hebrew and Greek words into English have suffered miserably at the hands of translators who were influenced by their doctrinal persuasion and social climate making them interpret rather than translate the text into something they wanted to mould the text to say. To do this accurately we must examine the words in each verse.

Understandably, very few believers read and understand the ancient Hebrew and Greek texts of the Bible. Even those who do, and are considered experts, sometimes translate the words influenced by their culture, traditions, doctrinal tendency, their personalities and personal preferences. Consequently, such translations will have biases originating from a change of the meanings of words, distance of time since the writing and cultural differences. In order to choose a good translation one must determine if there are a wide variety of persons translating it for broad and authentic translation.

As difficult as it may be for people to accept or believe there are no singular original manuscripts!!! People who say they’ve gone back to the original manuscripts sometimes accidentally mislead others because translators incorporate and work from literally thousands of pages of ancient text. Some of these sources contain small differences and text errors, yet it is agreed, even with human error considered, none of these manuscripts alter the message or affect its overall truth in the original languages.

Furthermore, translators can innocently become interpreters of what is written as well. There are innumerable Hebrew and Greek nuances in the translations of the words that are often difficult to translate into our own languages. Therefore, sometimes translators, in order to try to make sense of certain words, may change the grammatical structure and create an interpretive problem. There are numerous instances of this throughout history. This is very hard for a lot of people to accept, but nonetheless it does happen. Let me share about one example that shocked me.

I had been teaching at various church groups in France and was privileged to visit a museum in the Cevanne region dedicated to the time of the Huguenot conflicts. It was a fascinating place displaying a wide range of artifacts from that era. However, one of the most astounding exhibits I encountered there was displayed in several large glassed-in wooden cases presenting an assortment of French Bibles translated during the years of the revolution. To my astonishment when I read portions of the texts, for example from Psalms 23, I was stunned to see that the Huguenot scribes had interpreted the Bible in a French manner of speaking quite different to what I was accustomed to in English translations. Throughout the verses the translators depicted the shepherd as a warrior rather than the usual gentle portrayal we’re familiar with. The tense climate of that troublesome time affected how the Bible had been transcribed into the French. I was sternly reminded that God’s word is settled in heaven, not earth when I saw these Bibles with my own eyes.

For these reasons we must remember that no one specific translation is exclusively correct. There are literally dozens of angles how words can be translated. We must search out to the best as we can, and seek for what best honors what Jesus did on the cross, and is consistent with the entirety of God’s word. For some Christians this is too much of a challenge because sadly they’ve built their belief systems on translations and interpretations instead of what the Bible actually says in the Hebrew or the Greek. I realize the inner tug of war this creates and have wrestled through this myself. But I want to know the truth and if that means I have to discard traditional but inaccurate human interpretations for accurate translation I’m willing to engage in this wrestling match.

Finally, when you examine the literary context of Scripture, you have to consider the intention of the author. 

• Why was the author writing this message? 
• What did the writer hope to accomplish? 
• Was it merely to detail a historical account for future generations to produce faith? 
• Was it to correct an attitude of the heart and rouse up conviction and repentance? 

Study requires understanding intention.

Sometimes in our attempt to be spiritual we lose sight of context and make the words read differently than God intended and then call that “revelation”. That, my friend, is not revelation. It is deception. 

The great majority of believers will not have time, or want to take time to consider these things. That is sad because it makes them miss out on so much of what the Bible has to offer.  Regrettably, they may fall prey to incorrect understanding, and what’s more, perpetuate their "so-called revelation" to other people, who then may do likewise. Error is slippery and generally comes into existence because of a lack of disciplines, or an absence of patient willingness to search for the truth! Don’t let yourself be deceived simply because you don’t want to take the time to dig for yourself and ask the questions that promote accuracy and practical truth. There is so much waiting for you if you’ll try!

WHAT IS THAT TO YOU?

John 21:20 Then Peter, turning about, seeth the disciple whom Jesus loved following; which also leaned on his breast at supper, and said, Lord, which is he that betrayeth thee? 21 Peter seeing him saith to Jesus, Lord, and what shall this man do? 22 Jesus saith unto him, If I will that he tarry till I come, what is that to thee? follow thou me. 23 Then went this saying abroad among the brethren, that that disciple should not die: yet Jesus said not unto him, He shall not die; but, If I will that he tarry till I come, what is that to thee? KJV

Over the course of the past few years I've been noticing a disturbing development in how people inside and outside of the Church meddle about each other. I've become increasingly uneasy over the attitudes and words of more and more individuals who I encounter that demonstrate a proud, hostile opinionatedness, accompanied by a sort of "spiritualized" right to criticize anyone that is found to be of a different interpretation of Scripture or behaves in a manner that the self-appointed critic, judges as unacceptable. I've witnessed and encountered these things with growing concern and am watching the pattern with prayerful awareness. The question I think we need to ask ourselves is this: Do we have the right to criticize fellow believers as they attempt to do their best in serving God, knowing full well that we all have feet of clay, live in this world though not of it, and we cannot see what's going on inside of the persons being censured? Yes, obviously there is an unending list of sins condemned in the Scriptures and each will reap their own consequences in due time. Nonetheless, if we're not seeing what the Bible describes as obvious crimes against God and humanity, do we possess the right to pass judgment on believers who may be genuinely trying to obey God according to what they know, even though how they do it grates against our personal belief systems and doctrinal stance? What's worse, do we then also have the right to determine what we think God should do with them, and they in him, as if we are spiritually superior to them?  Maybe this is just something that's stirring my heart but there seems to be an upheaval of self-righteous arrogance emerging in the name of supposed spirituality, and truthfully, it nauseates me. Should it really be any of our business what God is doing through and in our fellow Christian if it doesn't pertain to us or affect how we walk with God? I have come to seriously wonder about this.

1 Cor 10:12 Wherefore let him that thinketh he standeth take heed lest he fall. 13 There hath no temptation taken you but such as is common to man: but God is faithful, who will not suffer you to be tempted above that ye are able; but will with the temptation also make a way to escape, that ye may be able to bear it. KJV

 In John 21:20-23  Peter was obviously bothered about what John's destiny would be. The passage seems to suggest that Peter was possibly jealous, unnecessarily curious, or maybe even competing with John.  Jesus answered his question quite directly and in essence said "What concern is it of yours? You just follow me". There are various ministers I don't agree with or always feel good about. I may not like how they do things, I may think I could do things better, or I may judge them in what I "feel" is wrong, though not necessarily sinful. Is it honestly anything I have the right to be concerned about? Not really. My primary responsibility is to follow Christ to the best of my ability and let Him handle the ones I don't agree with. I don't know their hearts, nor do I know what God's bigger picture is in their lives. Furthermore, I am susceptible to falling just as much as they are!  That shakes me to the core! So rather than meddle or snoop into what they're doing, whether I deem it right or wrong, I have to remember what Jesus said to Peter. What is that to you! You might say, "Well God has shown me prophetically that they are at fault so I have the right to be angry and criticise them." Even if you might be spiritually enlightened and have gained insight into what they're doing you are also commanded to forgive and let God be the one who deals with them. You follow God! Be faithful to His call on your life and pray that His will be done in theirs without casting your opinions into the mix of the prayer. I believe that this mind is going to be increasingly necessary in the coming years. People who you trusted, followed, loved and even taught are going to choose to believe and do things that may lead them into deception. Rather than cast stones at them: pray for them. Any one of us is vulnerable. You follow Him and pray for those you love and those you are in doubts of. Who knows, your opinion could be wrong and your downfall could be lurking around the corner because of your pride. 

In the past 16 months God has dealt with my heart deeply about the need that we have for one another in the Body of Christ, even though there are huge differences in interpretation and expressions of our faith. You are connected to the Church and when one part of it hurts we all suffer. Ask the Lord about how can you stand in the gap for your brothers and sisters in Christ and allow Him to work out His plan for them! Lay the pride at the foot of the Cross. The work we need to do will not get accomplished if we're constantly criticizing each other!

WEEKEND POSTS ANNOUNCEMENT

During the weekdays I will be posting blogs about whatever current series I am writing about, such as the current series on truth. However, from now on, on the weekends I will a write a short article on whatever my heart is feeling stirred about. I hope that this will be something you will be stirred by as much as I sense the need to communicate these things. Be blessed!

ONE, TWO, THREE- GET READY TO DIG!!!

Since one of the most accessible resources for Kingdom Truth is the Bible, we’re going to begin looking at the standards for interpreting the scriptures rightly, along with a study methodology that produces the most productive results. Please also bear in mind that not every person who claims to be a Christian has a Bible or biblical resource materials to help them in their study. But, for those who do, let’s look at these standards in light of the fact that the Holy Spirit constantly desires to guide us into all Kingdom Truth.

When you read your Bible do you presume you’ll understand it by the mere reading, or do you approach it with an inquisitive nature? Do you pray beforehand? Have you exposed, or at least attempted to remove, the corrupting filters that could infect your interpretations? If you’re going to get anything out of your search, you must do so! Have you asked the Lord what He wants you to study, or are you going at it out of your own curiosity? These are just a few things you need to consider. What's more, a serious student of the Scriptures is like an investigator outfitted with the most beneficial and applicable questions. The problem is that we must be trained in what questions to ask, what to look for, and how to interpret what's discovered. We therefore need a study methodology that makes the Bible come alive! Let’s look at these now!

CHARACTERISTICS OF THE TYPE OF BIBLE STUDY WE NEED

Unbeknownst to many believers, we need a biblical methodology that opens up the truth of God’s Word and exposes the influence of Hellenistic, or better understood Greek philosophy, affecting modern Christians. 

Zech. 9:12 Turn you to the strong hold, ye prisoners of hope: even to day do I declare that I will render double unto thee; 13 When I have bent Judah for me, filled the bow with Ephraim, and raised up thy sons, O Zion, against thy sons, O Greece, and made thee as the sword of a mighty man. 14 And the LORD shall be seen over them, and his arrow shall go forth as the lightning: and the Lord GOD shall blow the trumpet, and shall go with whirlwinds of the south.

For many centuries, Bible scholars have speculated about what these verses above imply. Few interpretations entirely agree, but most theologians recommend that the context refers to an End Times clash when Hebraic thought will war with Hellenistic philosophies affecting the people influenced by it, as it originated with the philosophies of ancient Greece.  The fundamental methodology and training administered by a great majority of modern educational institutions, both non-Christian and Christian, regrettably, but often ignorantly, embrace and practice Hellenistic educational ideologies. Mindful of this, we need a type of biblical methodology that disengages the carnal and manmade Hellenistic filters harmful to spiritually-minded students of God's word and Kingdom Truths.          

We need a study method that can cut down the amount of time it takes to tackle massive Bible subjects that normally would have taken past generations a lifetime to complete.  Doing so could cause faith to develop more quickly.

Because of the availability of increasingly speedy computer technology, and vast assortments of new, amazing Bible software programs, Bible subjects can be investigated more quickly, and may be somewhat more thoroughly researched, depending on if the student is open to the Holy Spirit’s tutelage.

We need a study method that dissolves doubts and breaks down the bondages of legalism.

While living in the midst of the wicked, ancient city of Babylon, Daniel and his three friends, excelled in knowledge, wisdom, intellectual prowess, all the sciences, arts and math. They exceeded the abilities of their Babylonian contemporaries. These skills distinguished them from their peers. Additionally, they were noted for the capability of dissolving doubts. In the same way, Bible students need a methodology that makes the Bible real, practical and powerful. Information without spiritual revelation, and practical application, becomes the doorway to a spiritual tomb. The questions provided in a healthy methodology exceed the norms of mere academics. Each investigative element should be designed for the purpose of putting together the jigsaw puzzle of fragments of truth, scattered throughout the Scriptures, into a workable, livable lifestyle of faith, creating solid doctrine and genuine heartfelt, Spirit-led revelation. Nevertheless, well-meaning believers become surreptitiously entangled with legalistic bondages in the letter of the Law entirely missing the principles and patterns God has woven throughout the Bible. Consider the verses below!

 The Letter kills, the Spirit gives life! Consider these references and meditate on these truths!

Rom. 2:29   But he is a Jew, which is one inwardly; and circumcision is that of the heart, in the spirit, and not in the letter; whose praise is not of men, but of God.

Rom. 7:6   But now we are delivered from the law, that being dead wherein we were held; that we should serve in newness of spirit, and not in the oldness of the letter.

2Cor. 3:1 Do we begin again to commend ourselves? or need we, as some others, epistles of commendation to you, or letters of commendation from you? 2 Ye are our epistle written in our hearts, known and read of all men: 3 Forasmuch as ye are manifestly declared to be the epistle of Christ ministered by us, written not with ink, but with the Spirit of the living God; not in tables of stone, but in fleshly tables of the heart. 4   And such trust have we through Christ to God-ward: 5   Not that we are sufficient of ourselves to think any thing as of ourselves; but our sufficiency is of God; 6   Who also hath made us able ministers of the new testament; not of the letter, but of the spirit: for the letter killeth, but the spirit giveth life. 7 But if the ministration of death, written and engraven in stones, was glorious, so that the children of Israel could not stedfastly behold the face of Moses for the glory of his countenance; which glory was to be done away: 8   How shall not the ministration of the spirit be rather glorious?

We need a study method that demands believers to think for themselves and not learn just by rote and memorization.

For some strange reason modern Christians have come to belittle intelligence and discourage the importance of the need to develop an ability to learn. Studying requires an uncomfortable exertion of both mental and spiritual effort. To my dismay, I regularly encounter believers who refuse to think through what they know and read, while blindly accepting whatever they presume the verses say, hear from the favorite teachers, and have been taught, without question. They believe that if they have to think something through, it's equal to unbelief. So instead, they would rather repetitiously parrot others, wanting to seem spiritual, or religious, unaware that memorized spiritual speeches without individual understanding is nothing more than gibberish, and often, the gateway to perpetuated error or misinterpretation.  A serious student of God’s word and ways cannot behave so. It is not disrespectful of you teachers for you to find out for yourself what the Scriptures have to say. It does become disrespectful though, if you're rude and mock their particular journey of faith or how diligent they've endeavored to be in understanding the Bible. They're learning just like you. Once, while instructing one of my young students, after having shown her the process of how to study, she remarked in astonishment, “But this is work?!” I restrained the comments I wanted to say because she simply did not understand that in order to get gold you have to dig!! Only the diligent, dedicated individual thinker discovers the Scriptural treasures waiting to be prospected.

We need a study method that allows flexibility for new thinking and embraces a spiritual perspective so the Holy Spirit can work.

Rom 8:1 There is therefore now no condemnation to them which are in Christ Jesus, who walk not after the flesh, but after the Spirit. 2 For the law of the Spirit of life in Christ Jesus hath made me free from the law of sin and death.3 For what the law could not do, in that it was weak through the flesh, God sending his own Son in the likeness of sinful flesh, and for sin, condemned sin in the flesh:4 That the righteousness of the law might be fulfilled in us, who walk not after the flesh, but after the Spirit.5 For they that are after the flesh do mind the things of the flesh; but they that are after the Spirit the things of the Spirit.6 For to be carnally minded is death; but to be spiritually minded is life and peace.7 Because the carnal mind is enmity against God: for it is not subject to the law of God, neither indeed can be.8 So then they that are in the flesh cannot please God.(KJV)

1 Cor 2:7 But we speak the wisdom of God in a mystery, even the hidden wisdom, which God ordained before the world unto our glory:8 Which none of the princes of this world knew: for had they known it, they would not have crucified the Lord of glory.9 But as it is written, Eye hath not seen, nor ear heard, neither have entered into the heart of man, the things which God hath prepared for them that love him.10 But God hath revealed them unto us by his Spirit: for the Spirit searcheth all things, yea, the deep things of God.11 For what man knoweth the things of a man, save the spirit of man which is in him? even so the things of God knoweth no man, but the Spirit of God.12 Now we have received, not the spirit of the world, but the spirit which is of God; that we might know the things that are freely given to us of God.13 Which things also we speak, not in the words which man's wisdom teacheth, but which the Holy Ghost teacheth; comparing spiritual things with spiritual.14 But the natural man receiveth not the things of the Spirit of God: for they are foolishness unto him: neither can he know them, because they are spiritually discerned.15 But he that is spiritual judgeth all things, yet he himself is judged of no man.16 For who hath known the mind of the Lord, that he may instruct him? But we have the mind of Christ.(KJV)

Rom 12:1 I beseech you therefore, brethren, by the mercies of God, that ye present your bodies a living sacrifice, holy, acceptable unto God, which is your reasonable service.2 And be not conformed to this world: but be ye transformed by the renewing of your mind, that ye may prove what is that good, and acceptable, and perfect, will of God.(KJV)

John 5:39 You search and investigate and pore over the Scriptures diligently, because you suppose and trust that you have eternal life through them. And these [very Scriptures] testify about Me! AMP

The Scripture passages above address a necessary approach to biblical study continuously undervalued in the study of the Word. In order to gain accurate inspired revelation you must allow the Holy Spirit to illuminate the Bible to you. Legalism, carnality, natural- mindedness and a lack of a personal prayer life twists and kills truth. Allow the Holy Spirit to instruct you as you study. Ask God to open His word to you in prayer before you open the pages of your Bible and resource materials.

One of my favorite classes during the Institutes for Biblical Truth course is teaching the students how to study the Bible. It’s amazing to watch them realize that they can actually find golden nuggets for themselves once they’ve been taught how to dig. On occasion, however, they hit an impasse. Without fail, whenever the class doesn’t break into the thrill of what God has to reveal to them, it's always because they failed to pray before they started to study. I have to admit that I always smile when this occurs because once someone realizes that human intellect is limited without prayer, and the guidance of the Holy Spirit, he or she will rarely forget to pray before studying again.

KNOWING THE SCRIPTURES FROM THE HOLY SPIRIT’S POINT OF VIEW RELEASES A KNOWLEDGE OF THE POWER AND HEART OF GOD

“In George MacDonald’s book, Knowing the Heart of God, he states:

How do we come to know Christ? How have we learned of him? It ought to be a startling thought that we may have learned wrongly of him! To wrongly know him must be even worse that not to know him at all. The question we must ask ourselves is this: have we learned Christ as he taught himself, or as men have taught him who thought they understood, but did not understand him? Do we know Christ merely according to low, fleshly, human fancies and explanations, or do we indeed know him as God knows him?

Throughout its history, the Christian religion, because it is higher, wider and larger in scope, has been more open to corruption and misrepresentation than any other religion. As a result, have we learned Christ from false statements and corrupted lessons about him, or have we learned himself?  Is only our brain full of things about him, or does he himself dwell in our hearts, the power of our life???”

 Matt. 22:29 Jesus answered and said unto them, Ye do err, not knowing the scriptures, nor the power of God.

Mark 12:24 And Jesus answering said unto them, Do ye not therefore err, because ye know not the scriptures, neither the power of God?

John 5:39   Search the scriptures; for in them ye think ye have eternal life: and they are they which testify of me

How can we learn anything of Kingdom Truth if we don’t study the scriptures under the sponsorship of the Holy Spirit? Something happens in the heart of the believer when human spirit and heavenly Spirit collaborate. It is wonderfully unavoidable if you allow the Holy Spirit to lead you when you prospect through the Bible. Amazingly, God’s glory and power will increase and manifest in your life. The scribes of Jesus’ day thought that if they searched the scriptures they would inevitably find eternal life, and yet, their hunt would fail because the pursuit of truth by intellectual investigation is pointless without heavenly interjection. Jesus the Messiah stood right in front of them, and they didn’t recognize Him even with all their accumulated knowledge. We need the eyes of the Spirit to reveal Him  or else the relationship with him becomes secondary and the information erects an idol. The end of all biblical study should draw us closer to knowing Him in truth, because it is through the revelation of Him faith is born. Have we come to know him wrongly as George MacDonald suggested in his book? This should disturb you.

We need a study method that incorporates literary, historical, canonical and spiritual context.

The study of the Scriptures is both thrilling and challenging. In fact, very few things can be compared to the joy of gaining Spirit-inspired biblical revelation. That delight, however, is governed by the four primary necessary standards of context I've already mentioned in previous posts. Students who desire to accurately learn the Scriptures must incorporate the literary, historical, canonical and spiritual context of the references to avoid misinterpreting the references. We’ll look at this more later.

We need a study method that incorporates prayer, as it’s basis for the questions we need to ask.

BIBLE STUDY IS NOT ONLY FOR THE PURSUIT OF KNOWLEDGE

Eccl. 12:12 And further, by these, my son, be admonished: of making many books there is no end; and much study is a weariness of the flesh.

1Cor. 8:1 Now as touching things offered unto idols, we know that we all have knowledge. Knowledge puffeth up, but charity edifieth.

Ps. 119:130   The entrance of thy words giveth light; it giveth understanding unto the simple.

Ps. 119:169   Let my cry come near before thee, O LORD: give me understanding according to thy word.

Prov. 9:10   The fear of the LORD is the beginning of wisdom: and the knowledge of the holy is understanding.

Prov. 15:14   The heart of him that hath understanding seeketh knowledge: but the mouth of fools feedeth on foolishness.

Many believers grow frustrated when they attempt to study the Bible because they approach God’s word from various wrong postures of heart. An intense pursuit of Scriptural knowledge, for the sake of amassing information, is not enough, and eventually results in physical exhaustion, grief and pride. The sincere saint searches the unfathomable riches of Scripture to love and know God, understand His ways, and grow in the fear of the Lord, not merely for education. Persons who wrongly seek to accumulate biblical knowledge never gain understanding or wisdom, and experience a dullness in spirit. Until those who would be students embrace the fear of the Lord, for the purpose of understanding God’s ways to be discovered in the Bible, they'll never possess a desire to study and gain the knowledge of the holy! Motivations, however, are not the only difficulty.

Simple, normal human aggravations can be some of the most negative contributing factors affecting an individual who longs to study. These personal problems often become excuses for the individual effort. Some believers avoid study because it’s not their personality type or they don’t feel intelligent enough. Others avoid it because they don’t know where to begin or they don’t know what questions to ask or what reference materials to use.  A weariness of seemingly pointless facts, names, references and history paralyses many who would otherwise be seekers of Biblical truth. These common aggravates stall many sincere saints unnecessarily. These hindrances must be renounced and buried!

We need a study method that reinforces and makes the fear of the Lord applicable.

Much could be written about the definition, application and value of fearing the Lord. A serious Bible student approaches God’s word with it ever in mind. Studying the any biblical topic without a genuine fear of God opens the door for lawless, disregard for the holy manners, manifestations and protocols the Bible reveals are necessary for lasting fruit.  Furthermore, those who seek to understand His holy word and ways must first remember that the fear of the Lord makes wisdom accessible.

Prov 9:10 The fear of the LORD is the beginning of wisdom: and the knowledge of the holy is understanding. KJV

On more occasions than I'd like to recall I have witnessed a zeal for spiritual things and truths replace a healthy fear of God in the application of Christian principles and true spirituality. When that happens  holiness departs and self-righteousness enters. The knowledge of God’s Word brings understanding and originates with the heartfelt attitude of the fear of the Lord. Once these catalytic conditions interact, wisdom, revelation, counsel, might and the spirit of knowledge await the soon to be enlightened saint.

Real and beneficial study is costly. Discovering the truths your heart craves, and how deeply you'll go with it, will not come without a sacrifice of time, prayer, thought, occasional frustration, wrestling and constant evaluation. Proverbs 23:23 states that if you want to get the truth then you must buy it. The question every saint must ask is this: Am I willing to pay the price? This cost will be determined by numerous factors. The type of calling, ministry gift and spiritual responsibility one is called to, will radically affect how much you'll personally have to invest to obtain the truths you need to find fruitfulness in your service of the King. Your station, and personal responsibilities in life, as to your vocation and the time available to you to study, will play a huge role in how much you will have to give to get where you desire to go. In addition to this, the type of grace upon you will also affect what your personal cost will be. For some who don’t possess teaching graces, they may find it more taxing to dig, while those called to such will find study easy as breathing. The list of what determines each person’s price goes on and on. But settle it in your heart now. Every believer can be taught to study and learn to be a “Biblical Prospector” as long as he or she is willing to pay the price for his or her own pick axes, shovels, and digging tools. Get ready to dig!

Prov. 23:23   Buy the truth, and sell it not; also wisdom, and instruction, and understanding.

Knowing the Heart of God by George MacDonald (1824-1905), compiled, arranged and edited by Michael R. Phillips © 1990 Bethany House Publishers, Minneapolis, Minnesota

Isa. 11:1   And there shall come forth a rod out of the stem of Jesse, and a Branch shall grow out of his roots: 2   And the spirit of the LORD shall rest upon him, the spirit of wisdom and understanding, the spirit of counsel and might, the spirit of knowledge and of the fear of the LORD; 3   And shall make him of quick understanding in the fear of the LORD: and he shall not judge after the sight of his eyes, neither reprove after the hearing of his ears: 4   But with righteousness shall he judge the poor, and reprove with equity for the meek of the earth: and he shall smite the earth with the rod of his mouth, and with the breath of his lips shall he slay the wicked.

PROSPECTING FOR KINGDOM TRUTH!

Have you ever heard it said “You are what you eat!”? If so, then you’ll without difficulty understand my next statement. You live how you believe! In the last posting of this blog I endeavored to explain how our interpretation of anything affects how we live. Therefore, if we interpret something incorrectly, we are then bound to eventually misapply what we’ve misinterpreted. This is especially so when you consider Kingdom Truth. I say “Kingdom Truth” because to only address biblical or spiritual truth denies and diminishes the entirety of truth(s) that originate and are found in all that God makes available to humankind. Therefore, it is the collection of the truth found in God’s Kingdom that a believer must concern him and her self with.  Please review the list below!

Truth in the Kingdom of God

(ALMOST ALWAYS PRECEDED BY MERCY)

Truth of God in His Character- Ex. 34:6; Jer 10:10

Truth of God in His Word- John 17:17; Ps 119:160; 1 Thess. 2:13 

Truth of God in His Spirit- John 16:13; 1 John 4:6

Truth of God in His Law- Ps 119:142

Truth of God in our Lives and His Ways- Way of Truth- Ps. 119:130; 2 Pet. 2:2

Truth of God in His works- Dan 4:37

Spiritual truths in doctrines-Gal. 5:7; 3:1

Jesus is- John 14:6

The message of the gospel- Col 1:5

The anointing- 1 John 2:27

Character Truth- Way of righteousness

We’re now found with the daunting challenge of the pursuit of Kingdom Truth, encompassing all of these aspects, beginning with a Hebraic understanding of the character of God, and the various sources of His truth in His Word, His Spirit, His Law, His Works, the person of Jesus, appropriate doctrine, the message of the Gospel, the Anointing, and of course, the way of righteousness, that pertains to and affects godly character. This venture is massive, and all too often, the pursuit of Kingdom Truth dilutes down to a biblical methodology that emphasizes leather-bound paper, letters and ink, ignoring the dynamics of the nature and functions of God manifested through the Trinity. I love the pursuit of truth, and I love the study of the Scriptures, but not at the expense of sacrificing my relationship with the Lord. Therefore, I am in hopes that these future blogs will stir you to hunt for the fullness of His Truth in a way that your dynamic relationship with Him intentionally exceeds head knowledge and academic excellence. What good is a head full of scriptural information if the heart is stone cold to God and is powerless, void of the miraculous working of His presence? How then can we approach this practically?

Obviously, the Bible is the most present and complete manifestation of Kingdom Truth available to humankind if properly interpreted and understood. But I must ask you this question. How do believers obtain truth if they don’t even own a Bible? It might be a surprise to you but there are thousands of Christians worldwide that don’t have access to a Bible, let alone biblical study materials? I have heard of accounts of pastors in African and Asian nations who owned 2 or 3 pages of a Bible and treasured them, yet they have never even seen a whole Bible. So then how can they get truth if Kingdom truth is entirely dependent on Bible study? Now mind you, I am not downplaying the importance of proper biblical study, but we can become so dependent on the book that we ignore the Author! So then, are such people without hope? No they are not! I've marveled at the testimonies of believers though without Bibles were able to quote Scripture because the Holy Spirit taught it to them. Shock of shocks, God knows His Word! Nonetheless, even so, they can still wrestle with many of the same filters as we do. Culture, traditions, and philosophies will be their adversaries in the same way you deal with them. You must understand that your pursuit of Kingdom Truth is radically affected by how you've learned to recognize the living “rhema” word of the Lord! But let me qualify this before you fly into a panic. God's truth will always be consistent with every aspect of what He’s made available in Kingdom Truths! Therefore, if someone says that God told them to do something contrary to His character, or counter various doctrines like the New Birth, Salvation or Righteousness, you can know it’s not from Him because the truths of the Kingdom of God never conflict with each other. In fact, they confirm each other.  Be willing to test what you think is truth and find what is consistent!

John 16:12 I have yet many things to say unto you, but ye cannot bear them now. 13 Howbeit when he, the Spirit of truth, is come, he will guide you into all truth: for he shall not speak of himself; but whatsoever he shall hear, that shall he speak: and he will shew you things to come. 14 He shall glorify me: for he shall receive of mine, and shall shew it unto you. KJV

John 14:17  Even the Spirit of truth; whom the world cannot receive, because it seeth him not, neither knoweth him: but ye know him; for he dwelleth with you, and shall be in you. KJV

John 14:26 But the Comforter, which is the Holy Ghost, whom the Father will send in my name, he shall teach you all things, and bring all things to your remembrance, whatsoever I have said unto you.KJV

1 John 2:20 But you have been anointed by [you hold a sacred appointment from, you have been given an unction from] the Holy one, and you all know [the Truth] or you know all things. 21 I write to you not because you are ignorant and do not perceive and know the Truth, but because you do perceive and know it, and [know positively] that nothing false (no deception, no lie) is of the Truth. AMP

1 John 2:27 But as for you, the anointing (the sacred appointment, the unction) which you received from Him abides [permanently] in you; [so] then you have no need that anyone should instruct you. But just as His anointing teaches you concerning everything and is true and is no falsehood, so you must abide in (live in, never depart from) Him [being rooted in Him, knit to Him], just as [His anointing] has taught you [to do]. AMP

One of the unchangeable and mutual constants that belongs to those people who consider themselves a follower of Christ, a child of God, is the wonderful fact of the indwelling presence of the Holy Spirit, who by the way is also known as the Spirit of Truth. I’m convinced that a great number of believers, having been educated in an academic system aimed at expanding the mind, have been duped into believing that if they increase their biblical knowledge and become experts in religious vocabulary, and practice those ideas, then they do not need the other aspects of Kingdom Truth, especially the naturally unexplainable manifestations of the Holy Spirit. It is highly probable that we've missed out on the bulk of Kingdom Truth simply because of our intellectual pride and spiritual dullness. Jesus promised his, for the most part, uneducated disciples that the Holy Spirit of truth would be sent after His resurrection and would guide them into ALL truth, teaching them whatever they needed to know and reminding them what He'd said to them. This same concept is communicated in 1 John 2:20-27 when the apostle links the work of the Holy Spirit with the concept of an indwelling anointing in the believer. The problem is we don’t believe God’s Spirit will teach us, and secondly, we don’t know how to test what we think we've learned. This is why we need help. Furthermore, I think you can see from what Jesus stated that God wants us to learn His truths! Nonetheless, we need to be flexible in allowing Him to bring those truths to our hearts in any of the manners that He’s designed. Obviously, we all need to grow in this. So, before we consider the 4 standards for interpreting Scripture properly, we need to allow God to be all He wants to be to us in truth. I would highly recommend that you ask Him to reveal Kingdom Truths to you right now. Take a moment to pray and tell Him you want Him to make His truths known to you through His Spirit, His Character, and the reality and person of Jesus. God is not rude, pushy or forceful. He wants you to cooperate with His ways so that you are both in agreement. Give Him permission. I know from personal experience that He will meet you. Maybe you don’t own or have access to a Bible. But if you've called upon the name of the Lord Jesus, you have the Spirit of truth residing in you just waiting to help you live a life of faith. You are not without help or a witness. Ask Him to guide you! He will!

I mentioned that we need to learn to test the things we believe we have learned. That is a huge subject in itself. Perhaps we can talk about that in a future post, but I believe that the more we involve God in teaching us His truths, and the less we lean to the simple but frustrating gathering of “biblical information", the more He can actually use the Bible to teach us what we need to know and live for His glory.

In closing, let me list the circles of context that are what good Bible scholars understand to be standards for right interpretation. Ignoring any of these will inevitably produce error and eventual worthlessness.

First and foremost, the standard for truth to interpret Scripture rightly is the in working out of the revelation provided by the Holy Spirit. That is something we must always remember and have begun to discuss.

Secondly, when reading and studying the Bible we need to take into account the Literary context of what we read. If you don’t understand what literary form is presented in the text of the passages you can misinterpret what’s being said.

Thirdly, if at all possible, you need to gain understanding of the historical context in which the verses were written. The influence of history encompasses a lot of factors and a misunderstanding or ignorance of this context can corrupt the interpretation in more ways than I like to think.

Finally, a proper interpretation of the Bible and the passages you read must be consistent throughout the entirety of the Bible, or what is known as the “Canon”. There are several factors that determine the reliability of what is considered “Canonical context", and as we go forward in this series we’ll examine that more in depth.

I hope to expand on the manner of how the Holy Spirit speaks to us in connection with His word throughout this teaching. Even so, become like a prospector and find and use your shovel, pick ax and helmet. God wants to go into the foundations of truth with you as you get ready to dig deeper into Him!